Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Affordable floral arrangements from $39.90 for Mother’s Day 2023

Blessed Sunday!

Mother’s Day is really right around the corner, with only a week left to go. If you’ve yet to get mum anything, today’s the day to make that purchase.

In this post, we will be looking at a list of affordable floral arrangements from $39.90 for Mother’s Day 2023.

MD Carmen by Well Live Florist

Price: $39.90

At just $39.90, this is a steal. You will get a lovely bouquet of three flowers consisting of fresh tulips, a carnation, filler, and foliage. At the time of writing, delivery dates are available from 12 to 15 May so act fast if you want to chope the best date and timing for your mama.

KH-07 Cheery by Little Flower Hut

Price: $49.90 (sale!)

Spotted this bouquet of 9 pink roses at just $49.90 (was $69.90)! We have no idea when the sale will end so it’s good to get your hands on these before they decide to conclude the sale. You can also choose to “upsize” the bouquet at an extra price if you think it’s too small.

A Touch of Wild by Wildflower Florist

Price: from $55

There’s something about wildflowers that make them magical. And this particular arrangement which may include a combination of lilies, sunflowers, hydrangea, orchids, and other seasonal fresh-cut flowers and foliage is certainly a different take from the usual Mother’s Day floral selection. Which is great if you want to stand out from the crowd and please mama.

Misc MD by Floristique

I’m loving this florist because there are various options priced from $59.90 for you to choose from. And they are:

Zelda MD: Carnations | Spray Roses | Rose | Fillers & Foliage
Greta MD: Carnations | Spray Roses | Fillers & Foliage
Gianna MD: Carnations | Fillers
Isla MD: Carnations | Baby’s Breath
Kiera MD: Carnations | Fillers & Foliage
Everly MD: Carnations | Fillers & Foliage
Reia MD: Roses | Carnation Spray | Fillers & Foliage

Price: from $59.90

A fun dilemma on which to gift your mum.

Everlasting Vase – Preserved by The Bloom Box

Price: from $62

One comment I get very often from my mum is this: “Flowers have no value because they die quickly.” And that’s true… to a certain extent. If your mum thinks the same way too, why not get a preserved option for her? This everlasting vase is fitting for its name since it can last up to a year if properly taken care of.

Understated Beauty by Flora Moments

Price: from $68

This elegant arrangement of white and orange roses exudes charm just right for mama. Comprises white eustoma and orange roses, it represents admiration, passion, and happiness in life. Note: The most affordable option at $68 only consists of two stalks.

And there we have it, our list of affordable floral arrangements from $39.90 for Mother’s Day 2023. Just a gentle reminder before we go, Mother’s Day is on 14 May 2023, and that means we’re just days away. Whether it’s a gift you’re getting for mum or flowers to cheer her up, make that purchase asap to avoid disappointments!

This ed-tech startup that taps on AI for assessment-based learning is worth a try

Best of all, they have a ‘freemium’ plan for new users.

I’ll get to that later in this article but for a start, let’s look at more on what this ed-tech startup offers.

The name to note is ‘Explico’.

Explico was co-founded 3 years ago by Ashutosh Shukla and Sandesh Shetty, with the aim of using AI and machine learning to create an assessment-based educational system.

And mind you, not just any assessment-based learning but one that is tailored to your child’s needs.

How it works

Supposedly you’re a new user, you can sign up for free under their ‘freemium’ plan and have your child attempt Explico’s free diagnostic assessments Set A & Set B.

These diagnostic assessments are prepared by Explico’s teachers and use AI to assess your child’s proficiency in a particular subject.

Upon completion of the assessments, Explico will recommend live sessions based on their analysis.

The good part is that even as a ‘freemium’ user, you will be entitled to 2 free live sessions (worth 10 credits) so you and your child can have a firsthand experience of how it works.

Going a step further

Like what you’re seeing and think Explico will benefit your child?

You can step up your game from the ‘freemium’ plan to ‘credit-based’, ‘assessment-only’, or ‘all-access’ plans.

Prices range from $19.95 to $1450.

I’ll put it down here for easy reference:

If you’ve got a UOB card, good news! Use your UOB card for payment and enter coupon code <UOBEX2023> for 15% off your purchase.

You’re welcome. 😉

Which plan should you go for?

If you’re on a budget, then maybe the ‘credit-based’ plan would make sense.

It comes in bundle credits of 5, 20, 50, and 80, which the latter will allow you to save up to 15%. Since they can be shared among siblings, it would be good if you have more than one child to worry about.

For parents who believe in the power of practice, then the ‘assessment-only’ plan at $125 for one subject and $280 for three subjects would be perfect.

The only downside is that it’s for a specific child (just one). And the same goes for the ‘all-access’ plan.

If you’ve not started your child on any form of tuition at all, the ‘all-access’ plan is actually worth an investment.

Think about it this way: one subject will cost you $550 with a validity of 12 months if you sign up with Explico. That’s roughly $45.83/month and way much lower than it would cost to hire a private tutor (ex/current MOE teacher) at $50/hour long-term.

Image Credits: singaporetuitionteachers.com

Doesn’t sound too bad, huh?

But ultimately, the decision lies with you. Don’t forget to speak with your child to see what he/she thinks about using Explico as a study buddy for the long term. To give you peace of mind, Explico has recently bagged US$1.4 million in pre-series A funding from key investors such as the renowned Mavis Tutorial Centre. So be rest assured that they are here to stay and expand.

For more information, you can visit www.explico.sg.

Latest WFH internships posted from 1 to 4 May 2023

The world’s almost back to the pre-COVID working days but if you’re still searching for a remote internship, we’ve tried our best to source for some.

Here are the latest WFH internships posted from 1 to 4 May 2023.

#1: Revolution SG – Web And App Developer Intern

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A post shared by REVOLUTION (@revolution.sg)

Website: revolution.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 monthly

Job Qualifications

Junior/Senior undergrad majoring in a related field
Proficient in using Windows, Microsoft Office suite products, and the Adobe Suite of graphic/web design applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Dreamweaver
Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Strong knowledge of web development, web design, and scripting languages such as Javascript (with libraries like Mootools and jQuery) / HTML / CSS / Knowledge of XML integration
Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
Self-starter with an eye for detail
Eagerness and ability to learn quickly and expand the technical repertoire
1-2 years of work experience

Key Responsibilities

Support web and graphic designer efforts
Web design – Website maintenance.
Software/app configuration and integration (no coding)
Graphic design
Cloud-based software configuration

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Kevin via this link.

#2: Each-A-Cup – Graphic Designer Intern

Website: each-a-cup.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Enthusiastic, proactive self-starter, and a strong team player
Proficient with the use of a variety of digital and content marketing tools
Being able to start work immediately or on short notice is preferred
Someone with a good command of English
Experience in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign.

Key Responsibilities

Communicate with relevant departments to plan and develop designs.
Prepare rough drafts and present ideas.
Producing content that is consistent with the company’s brand identity.
Communicating with social media followers, including responding to queries.
Brainstorms campaign ideas
Implementing and monitoring social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to increase brand awareness.
Creating posts to attract customers

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Ian via this link.

#3: Traffic Bees – SEO Content Marketer Intern

Website: trafficbees.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

An unwavering passion for writing and content promotion
Able to convey complex concepts and messages through your writing to resonate with audiences
Able to “figure shit out”
Strong time and project management skills; able to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
Keen interest and takes initiative in pursuing constant self-development

Key Responsibilities

Write effective product copies and service pages
Conduct detailed keyword research and generate fresh, creative content ideas
Plan and write engaging web articles to get them ranked on search engines
Reach out to relevant outlets actively for content promotion and link building
Nurture and develop relationships with writers, reporters, and webmasters
Conceptualise and design relevant banners and infographics as required
Do whatever it takes to grow the online presence of our clients

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send in your resume to [email protected].

#4: Miss Tam Chiak Pte Ltd – Video Producer Intern

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A post shared by MISSTAMCHIAK.com (@misstamchiak)

Website: misstamchiak.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop.
Candidate must possess at least Diploma/Advanced/Higher/Graduate Diploma in Art/Design/Creative Multimedia or equivalent
Skilled in camera work
Must be able to prioritize, multi-task, and work under tight deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
Independent, driven, and always up for a challenge

Key Responsibilities

In charge of the full end-to-end video production process, including conceptualizing, developing storyboard, shot lists, scripting, filming, thumbnail, and post-production
Manage various series to be uploaded onto social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok.
Train a team of creative interns to hone their videography skills
Participate in the planning of social media content and digital marketing campaigns
Perform other ad-hoc duties, projects, and initiatives as assigned and when required.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your resume & portfolio to [email protected].

#5: The Woof Agency – Campaigns Management & Operation Intern

Website: thewoofagency.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

–

Key Responsibilities

Recruit influencers for campaigns. This includes outreach, cold emails, and research on all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, etc.
Create campaign briefs for clients, making sure all information is accurate.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send in your resume to [email protected].

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.

The mid-careerist guide to entering the early childhood industry in Singapore

So you want to enter the early childhood industry?

Hold your horses.

As someone with a foot in and enough research, I would advise you to know the requirements before jumping in.

And even if you have enough theoretical knowledge on the ins and outs of the early childhood sector, my tip for you would be to try it out as a career part-time/full-time first.

I’ll let you in on the “stories” when the time is right but for this particular post, let’s focus on the nitty-gritty of how to enter the early childhood industry as a mid-careerist.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

Where to get trained?

Many institutions are offering early childhood programs but if there’s one that I would recommend for “name’s sake”, it would be the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC).

Why, you may ask.

Well, mainly because it’s a training institute set up by MOE itself and it’s also the place where trainee teachers get trained to become full-fledged teachers in MOE schools.

You’re likely in good hands.

But don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the other recognized institutions are subpar; I’m just recommending one that I think would look nice on your resume.

Course & career preview by NIEC

We’re just in time for NIEC’s upcoming event, a course & career preview—like a sharing session of sorts to help you find out more information.

It’s coming up this week, 6 May 2023, on a Saturday.

There are two sharing sessions, one at 10 am, and another after lunch, at 1 pm.

It’s specially created for mid-careerists who are keen to enter the early childhood sector so this event is a perfect chance for you to get enlightened on more.

There are also partner preschool operators on-site where you can even get to speak to potential employers and learn more about existing job opportunities!

If you’re keen to attend, you can register at this link: bit.ly/CCP6MAY

Here’s the official post from NIEC themselves:

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A post shared by National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) (@niecsingapore)

What courses do you qualify for?

We’ve still got some time left till the course preview by NIEC so maybe you can take this time to read up more on the courses you qualify for.

The good thing is that there is a clear career progression in the early childhood industry in Singapore so you immediately know what courses to take if you’re serious about entering the sector.

And that is based on your academic qualifications.

Here’s the breakdown and details.

If you’ve completed your Secondary 4 Education, you can enroll in these courses:

Advanced Certificate in Early Years (ACEY)
幼儿保育高级证书 [ACEY in Chinese]

ACEY will take 8 months or 14 months respectively (depending on your intake) to complete. Upon completion of the course, you will be certified as an EY2 educator by ECDA and be qualified to care for infants and kids from 2 months to 3 years of age.

Course fees

For those with 3 O-level credits:

Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (ACECCE)

ACECCE is a 13- or 20-month course that will certify you as an L1 teacher. With ACECCE, you will be eligible to teach pre-nursery and nursery children from 18 months to 4 years old. Depending on the childcare or preschool needs, you may also be assisting K1 and K2 classes.

Course fees

For those with 5 O-level credits:

Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education – Teaching (DECCE-T)
幼儿教育专业文凭课程 [DECCE-T in Chinese]

DECCE-T will take 18 to 30 months to complete. Upon graduation, you will gain an L2 certification that allows you to care for and teach children aged 18 months to 6 years old. Those who do not have a minimum B4 grade for English Language (EL1) will need to obtain a minimum band of 6.5 in IELTS (General) or other ELAA within 2 years.

Course fees

Folks with a degree or local poly diploma:

Diploma (Conversion) in Early Childhood Care & Education-Teaching [DECCE-T (Conversion)]
幼儿保育与教育专业文凭（转业课程）[DECCE-T (Conversion in Chinese)]

DECCE-T (Conversion) is the last on this list for mid-careerist. It’s similar to the DECCE-T, except that it’s shorter in the training period. It will take you just 9 to 13 months to complete training.

Looks attractive, isn’t it? But as short as the training period is, be mindful that it’s going to be 10x more stressful since the knowledge that needs to be imparted to you is cramped within that short period.

I’ve seen friends and acquaintances undergo the DECCE-T while working at an early childhood center full-time and honestly, it’s not something I would want to go through. But if you’re serious about making that switch and don’t mind a stressful ride for long-term “gain”, go ahead!

Course fees

What if you’re not sure about making the switch?

Making a mid-career switch can be scary and if you’re 100% sure about being a full-fledged early childhood educator, I would advise you NOT to go for training just yet.

Look out for assistant teacher job opportunities first, where you play an assistant role to a trained teacher. By being an assistant teacher first, you will be aiding alongside the main teachers, which gives you a firsthand account of what your life is going to be like when you have to finally lead a class.

As with most jobs, being a “teacher” is not just about “teaching”. There are lots of things that go behind the scenes that most won’t see unless they’ve been through it. So I urge you to get yourself in the game first and give yourself some time to be fully immersed in the life of an early childhood educator before you decide if you want to spend that money/sign a bond and go for training.

Good luck with your new journey!

3 newly opened cafes near Seongsu & Ttukseom Stations to visit in South Korea

If you take an interest in South Korea, you would have known that the cafe culture in Korea is seriously not a joke.

Trends come and go in the land of kimchi and cafes are opening and closing within months.

Not to mention that prices have generally gone up.

But if it’s a well-deserved trip you’re making soon, go ahead and spend within your budget!

Here are 3 newly opened cafes near two train stations of Line 2 (green line)—Seongsu & Ttukseom—so drop by if you’re visiting the area.

BILLOWY | 빌로위 성수

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/jjh30417

Opening hours: 10 am to 12 am (last order at 10.30 pm)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (4.49 SGD) for drinks

Address: 15 Seongsuil-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: An 8-minute walk (567 m) from Exit 1 of Seongsu Station

BILLOWY makes a good brunch place so if you’re short on time (which most of us are while on holiday), consider dropping by this cafe/brunch place.

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/prejiii

The brunch menu ranges from 14,000 to 30,000 KRW (13.97 to 29.94 SGD) so it’s a little on the high side. But I love the aesthetics of this place.

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/jjh30417

The greyish-white interior colors with pops of greens are easy on the eyes and make perfect backdrops for selfie lovers.

FLOPPY | 플로피

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Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; Saturdays to Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

Prices: Starting from 3,500/4,500 KRW (3.49/4.49 SGD) for drinks

Address: 10 Achasan-ro 1 ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: A 2-minute walk (150 m) from Exit 2 of Ttukseom Station

You will immediately spot this coffee & dessert place from afar thanks to its black exterior and clean white interior with unique mini tables and wooden chairs near the entrance. It’s not a huge space so you may not get seats if you’re unlucky.

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A post shared by FLOPPY 플로피 (@cafe.floppy)

To guarantee a seat, you may want to visit them close to the opening hours, which are 10 am on weekdays and 11 am on weekends.

Prices are pretty wallet-friendly, considering it’s in Seoul.

BREADYPOST | 브레디포스트 성수

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/qqq86

Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily

Prices: Starting from 5,000 KRW (4.99 SGD) for drinks

Address: 5 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: Head to Exit 5 of Ttukseom Station and walk along Sangwon-gil. It’s just 259 m away from the exit.

BREADYPOST specializes in freshly made pretzels with a decent variety of jams and sauces as add-ons you can purchase.

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A post shared by 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 | 브레디포스트 (@breadypost_bakery)

The cafe itself somehow gives off some old-school vibes so it would make good vintage additions to your social feeds.

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/xenia5779

One visitor added that the pastries are out at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. So if you want the freshest treats right out of the oven, you know what time you should visit.

And that’s all from me for this short post!

As mentioned in the opening, cafes in Korea open and close at lightning speeds. So I’ll probably be able to bring you another similar post soon.

See you then! 🙂